The Centenarian Portrait Project
(WA)
My friendship with Olga has taught me that one’s personality does not wither with age. I was nervous about meeting Olga, because I had pre-conceived expectations of what my experience would be like. I had never expected my visits with Olga to be the highlight of my day, and after visiting a couple times a week for the past few months, my understanding of aging has changed.
16-year-old Artist Summer Cory (WA)
ABOUT
The Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers is an uplifting intergenerational initiative, matching local teenage artists with our most senior citizens.
Each portrait tells the unique story of the centenarian, captured by the artist in their individual interpretation and artistic style. From reminiscing, joy and laughter, comes a collection of portraits that communicate the experiences, memories and life history of our most senior citizens.
This project aims to foster connections between the two generations, celebrating the rich histories and experiences of the centenarians while providing young artists with a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from their elders. The process involves the pairs meeting over a four month period, which allows them to capture the essence of their subjects in their artwork.
In 2022, 60 centenarians and 60 teenagers across Perth, Bunbury, Geraldton and Esperance participated in this program, which culminated in an exhibition of 60 portraits of 100-year-olds by local teenage artists.
PORTRAIT GALLERY
TCPPBT Making Of (WA)
What it's done for me is recognise that the rising generation has some good young people in it and that's good for Australia.
107-year-old Gordon Ewers (WA)
PHOTO GALLERY
It's important that we make people smile and appreciate what's out there.
Advice from 102-year-old Bill Newbold (WA)
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In silence, I wondered how much of Jean I had yet to know. How much of her experience was hidden behind the appearance of the lady doing crossword puzzles in front of me. It’s in these brief periods of time that two members of vastly different generations can peer into each other’s lives, and learn so much about each other.
16-year-old Artist Anrui Sun (WA)